How to Ship Small Parcels to Increase Online $ales
We all know how vital it is to ship parcels on-time and undamaged. As the eCommerce industry continues to expand; more and more internet users are buying products online. Packaging orders strategically; to increase sales and customer loyalty, is an area that many online eCommerce companies are lacking in. The idea of placing targeted marketing collateral and coupons during the packaging of orders to increase repeat business is now a reality. Order fulfillment automation has evolved to such an extent that closed or open case insertion of direct marketing collateral (targeted coupons, flyers, product samples and user manuals) can be inserted into a cohesive packet, boosting repeat orders without compromising same day delivery schedules.
Going, Going, GONE!
In 2013, 41.3% of global internet users had purchased at least one product online. In 2017, this figure is expected to grow to 46.4%. With digital buyer penetration creeping up to 50% of internet users worldwide in 2018, eCommerce online shopping will evolve and expand. In 2011, the number of digital buyers worldwide reached 792.6 million. A year later, the number rose to 903.6 million and forecasters expect there to be 1.32 billion digital buyers across the globe in 2016.*
Fulfilling Orders, Doing it Right!
Pre-Packing: After an eCommerce customer has placed their order online, select the appropriate pieces to be paired with the item to be shipped. Most packages come in various shapes, sizes and material. These can include tubes, soft packages, envelopes and cardboard boxes. Many eCommerce companies offer value added services, such as a “thank-you” letter, promotional flyers and catalogs. Most of the time these value added services are completed manually or with semi-automatic equipment.
Packing: Items ordered are inserted in the carton with the necessary documentation. These may include the packing slip and invoice. In some instances may also contain packing peanuts. Fully or semi-automated pack slip and friction feeding systems are often installed in-line to handle these tasks; increasing efficiency and productivity within a distribution center.
Marketing Collateral: To increase repeat business and customer loyalty, personalized value added marketing collateral can be inserted into a sealed cohesive, transparent or opaque packet and placed inside the carton (before sealing the parcel) or adhesively attached to the top or side of the carton (after sealing the parcel) along with the shipping label.
Value Added Marketing Collateral may Include:
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• Coupons/Offers
• Gift Cards
• Product Samples
• Cross Promotional Material
• CD’s & DVD’s
• WHMIS/MSDS
• User Manuals
• Literature
• Labels
• Sales Tickets
There are fully automated systems that can be integrated on existing lines that will collate marketing collateral and insert them into totes and cartons prior to sealing. These systems increase fulfillment speed and capacity, and improve same day shipping, especially during peak order periods.
Weighing and Measuring: Upon sealing the parcel, shipping rates are determined by size, weight and distance to delivery. When weighting and measuring orders, you will need to know the carton’s dimensions in order to obtain an accurate rate. Many material handling systems today do this automatically which saves seconds per parcel and helps get orders out on time for same day delivery.
Sealing: Once the eCommerce customers’ order is complete, it must be sealed. Clear plastic shipping tape is applied to the carton to keep the ordered items and marketing collateral safe and secure inside the carton. Upon completion, the order is ready to be handed-off to the carrier for delivery. Manually, this process can be used in low order volume environments. However there are fully automated and semi-automated systems available that can print, insert/apply the packing slip to the case in less than 5 seconds per order; ideal for mid to high order volume distribution centers.
Feeling Bliss
Order fulfillment automation systems can manage eCommerce orders from order start to shipping. Automated solutions such as AutoSlip Collation and MVP Packet Fulfillment Systems help meet same day shipping, can laser print pack slips and insert required marketing collateral to increase repeat orders and customer loyalty. Technology today can also insert the required marketing collateral and the shipping/return label into a sealed cohesive, transparent or opaque packet and placed inside or adhesively attach the pack slip to the top or side of the carton. As the eCommerce industry expands as more and more internet users are buying products online, it’s important that your order stands out and make customer’s feel important. With same day shipping and inserting direct targeted value added marketing collateral, eCommerce customers will be compelled and order from your company again.
